Kinzinger bill on broadband internet regulation voted down

Democrats in the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce voted down a bill introduced by U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, which would have prevented the Federal Communications Commission from regulating the rates charged for broadband internet.

Kinzinger reintroduced the No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act, H.R. 1860, last week before the committee, according to a news release. The congressman introduced the act as part of the Save the Internet Act, which would restore net neutrality protection under the 2015 Open Internet Order, including the Title II authorities given to the FCC to impose regulations on broadband internet providers and the prices charged to consumers.

“There has long been strong bipartisan agreement that we should explicitly and permanently prohibit the FCC from regulating broadband service,” Kinzinger said. “My amendment stemmed from my legislation that was originally introduced to ensure a more stable and effective regulatory environment for broadband customers across the country. This is important to protecting the rights of consumers and private industry.”

Kinzinger said the Save the Internet Act was vague on the effects it would have on telecommunications and broadband internet service. He said his amendment would strengthen the bill by providing reasonable and necessary clarification on a specific and critical issue.

He said in voting down his measure, House Democrats “are handing the FCC massive regulatory powers.”